Take a Pet From the United States to Another Country (Export)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated rabies vaccination requirements for all dogs entering or returning to the United States. Certain requirements must be met before departing the United States. Learn More
If you are planning to take your pet from the United States to another country, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate or other needed paperwork.
Rabies Alert
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary Government authority for all dogs imported into the United States, including returning U.S.-origin dogs. The following requirements related to rabies are established by CDC, not APHIS.
- Certification Required
- Dogs traveling to or returning from a high-risk country for dog rabies must have the "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination" form completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and submitted before departing the United States.
- This form cannot be issued retroactively after your dog leaves the United States.
- Veterinarians: Instructions for completing the form
- Additional CDC Requirements
- Learn More: Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs From High-Risk Countries | CDC
- Questions? Contact CDC at 800-232-4636 or visit CDC-INFO.
Related Information
- APHIS may have separate requirements for dogs entering the United States. These differ from the CDC import requirements.
- Learn More: Bringing a Pet Dog into the United States | APHIS
- VEHCS Access and Help (for veterinarians): Using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel
Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you:
- Don't see your pet listed below.
- Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal.
- Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
The following animals qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to pet travel requirements:
The following birds DON'T qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to different regulations:
Because they may carry and transmit certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, these birds are regulated as poultry.
- Chickens
- Doves
- Ducks
- Geese
- Grouse
- Guinea fowl
- Partridges
- Pea fowl
- Pheasants
- Pigeons
- Quail
- Swans
- Turkeys
View import regulations and export regulations if the type of animal you have does not qualify as a pet.
Step 1: Connect With a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
As soon as you decide to travel outside the United States with your pet, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian. They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed health certificate and any other needed paperwork.
Your accredited veterinarian will:
- Walk you through the pet travel process.
- Ensure your pet meets the destination country's entry requirements.
- Submit health certificates for APHIS endorsement on your behalf.
- Keep you updated on the status of your health certificate.
- The type of pet traveling
- The destination country
- If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
- The date of departure from the United States
- Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB). Check the requirements for your destination country at the bottom of this page.
Accredited Veterinarians
Are you looking to learn about certifying animals for international travel (export), completing and submitting health certificates for USDA endorsement, and using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)?
View Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Animals for International Travel (Export)
Step 2: Look Up the Destination Country's Requirements
Your destination country sets the entry requirements for pets, which can change at any time. You must verify the country requirements every time you plan to travel with your pet.
Find Your Destination Country Requirements
If your country is not listed in the menu, visit Pet Travel: Unknown Requirements.
Need Help?
USDA Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact the appropriate email for questions about endorsing an export health certificate for live animals.
Pets - AskVETS@usda.gov
Livestock, including equine, poultry, and wildlife/zoo animals - LivestockExport@usda.gov
Semen, embryos - GermplasmExport@usda.gov
Aquaculture - VETS.RAEF@usda.gov
In-person appointments and drop-off endorsement services are not available. For best results, accredited veterinarians should submit certificates electronically through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).
For VEHCS help see the VEHCS help page. Routine APHIS VEHCS processing services are staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time (CT) excluding federal holidays, the time listed in VEHCS reflects GMT.